GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course examines the evolution of literary tradition through the lens of the Arthurian legend, one of the most enduring and adaptable narratives in Western literature. Using key texts from the medieval, Victorian, and modern era, students will explore how themes such as love, loyalty, and moral conflict are reimagined across time. The course also introduces critical approaches to reading texts and other forms of storytelling in modern popular culture, focusing on issues of genre, gender, and the construction of myth. Through this case study, students will develop a deeper understanding of how literary traditions are shaped, adapted, and interpreted. Designed for students with a general interest in literature and mythology, this course builds on foundational skills in literary analysis.

- Develop an understanding of how themes, characters, motifs evolve across different periods and genres, using the Arthurian legend as a case study for broader literary developments.
- Understand key themes and literary devices of English literary tradition
- Foster interdisciplinary approaches to literature, connecting literary analysis to history, film criticism, and cultural studies to understand how stories transcend their original medium.
- Develop transferrable skills, such as critical reading and academic writing, developing persuasive arguments supported by textual evidence and critical scholarship.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

Each class session will begin with a lecture by the instructor, introducing students to key concepts and providing literary and/or historical context for the relevant work(s). This will be followed by interactive activities, including discussions, group-work, close analytical reading, etc. Students will also be required to regularly submit reaction papers. Submission of assignments and feedback will be via the Learning Management System.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction

Course description; introduction to literary tradition

2[対面/face to face]：History and Myth-Making

Historical and cultural origins; issues of historicity

3[対面/face to face]：Genre

Birth of courtly romance; Grail Cycle

4[対面/face to face]：Literature and Politics

Issues of historicity (2); Arthurian tradition in medieval political writing

5[対面/face to face]：Le Morte d'Arthur (1)

Print culture and editorial concerns

6[対面/face to face]：Le Morte d'Arthur (2)

Close reading; discussion of themes

7[対面/face to face]：Victorian Arthur

Arthurian Rivival; Victorian Ideals in Idylls of the King

8[対面/face to face]：Mid-Term

Mid-Term course review; Q&A Session

9[対面/face to face]：Adaptation: 20th Century Novels

Arthurian motifs in speculative fiction and children's literature

10[対面/face to face]：Adaptation: Feminist Re-imaginings

Fate, gender, power dynamics in Mists of Avalon

11[対面/face to face]：Adaptation: Satire and Parody

From Don Quixote to Monty Python; Social commentary in A Connecticut Yankee in King Athur's Court

12[対面/face to face]：Adaptation: Film and Popular Culture

Arthurian motifs in modern media

13[対面/face to face]：Course Review

Essay preparation; Q&A Session

14[対面/face to face]：Wrap-Up

Review of entire course

Students are expected to complete all assigned readings before each class and arrive prepared to contribute to discussions. Additionally, they will be required to submit assignments, write reaction papers, and prepare for class activities on designated topics. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

None. Reading material will be provided by the instructor.

Lacy, Norris J., editor. The New Arthurian Encyclopedia. Garland Publishing, 1996.
Birch, Dina, editor. The Oxford Companion to English Literature. 7th ed., Oxford University Press, 2009.

Evaluation will be based on Class participation (30%), Comparative Writing (20), Analytical Essay (30), and Reflection Papers (20). More than two unexcused absences will result in failure of the course.

Not Applicable.

None.